Fifty-Five


A man of Virtue can be compared to a newborn child.

Snakes and scorpions do not strike him.
Fierce beasts do not prey upon him.
Birds of prey do not attack him.

Though his bones are soft, and his muscles weak,
his grip is firm.
Without knowing the union of man and woman,
his organ stands erect.

His vital force is strong.
He can scream all day without becoming hoarse.
His harmony is perfect.

To know harmony is to know the everlasting.
To know the everlasting is enlightenment.

To interfere with life is ill-fated.
To control breath causes strain.
If you exert yourself, you will become exhausted.
This is not in harmony with Tao.

What is not in harmony with Tao does not long endure.